Client Testimonials

I walked into the doors of Oliver-Pyatt Centers full of insight, and dearth of the wherewithal to put it into action. Simply put, I thought that I was going to show up, eat some scary foods, gain some weight, and call it a day. The four months I spent in the comprehensive program untied my scared, underfed, demoted, submissive child, and liberated her.I went from a girl willing to sacrifice her health, quality of life, potential, and vitality,…to a woman tasting her own power and breathing it in. I left with utmost respect for the role the eating disorder had played in my life, but no longer bowing to the false promises and certainty it brought me. Wendy Oliver-Pyatt and Vicki Kroviak have poured their heart and soul into creating a place of hope and healing. The entire staff at OPC, from therapists to recovery coaches, can and will dive as deep and swim as far as you want—or are willing—to go. Thank you OPC, for loving me when I didn’t know what that meant, and holding me when I didn’t know how. I left willing to do whatever it takes to free the little child inside, and here I stand…feeling…breathing…connecting…loving…
laughing… living.” —L.M.

I’d like to say I optimistically chose to enter ED treatment that day in July. The truth is, I was so sick I didn’t really understand what I was doing…thankfully! To this day, I never would have realized the seriousness of my eating disorder had I not received help. After 17 years of struggling with not just an ED, but also PTSD, depression, and a neurological disorder, OPC was the first time I’d had the opportunity to get the level of care I needed. After years of isolation I was left in the care of people I hadn’t met, in a city I didn’t know, 24/7. I was terrified, exhausted, and paranoid. I was also completely hopeless and helpless. I believed that hope was fake, that it was like the carrot the rabbit endlessly pursued without realizing it would never capture it. It was all a “trick” to see how long I’d chase that carrot (hope) while everyone stood laughing. OPC met me where I was at hour-by-hour. No demands, no pressure, just kindness, tenderness, understanding, and the patience to allow me to test and obtain the data sufficient enough for me to start trusting them one person at a time.

At 35 years old, I left OPC having met myself for the first time ever. The relief in knowing I wasn’t a horrible, weak, and worthless person just taking up space in the world allowed a freedom I could only have known through this experience. The [unconditional nature] of the staff and OPC environment were like nothing I’d been exposed to before, and was one of the most refreshing realities I took away with me. Words will never express my gratitude for OPC’s willingness to help me, their ability to help me, and the joy they shared in helping me. My time at OPC renewed the idea that there are good, caring people in the world and that even I was one of them! Healing and hope really are possible!” —V.S.

I had this huge desire to tell you how well my daughter is doing. Myself and family feel truly blessed. This time last year we weren't sure of her future, or if she even had one, and I personally was dying inside. Thanks to your intervention and your treatment center in Florida, she is one happy and healthy young lady. She came back home with the desire to get better. It has of course been a work in progress, but with the tools given her at Oliver-Pyatt and weekly therapy here, she continues to embrace life. She is eating, healthy, speaks out in her Psychology classes (they are discussing addictions) about her experiences, has a steady boyfriend, who is a gentleman and treats her the way she deserves to be treated. This weekend she is moving to a new apartment with the desire to continue her journey forward.

Wendy, my daughter is a true testament to the recover process through Oliver-Pyatt Centers. We honestly couldn't have done it without you! Myself and family thank you from the bottom of our hearts!" - E.J.

When I arrived at Oliver-Pyatt Centers, I was able to take a deep breath.I realized I had arrived at a safe place, and was able to begin building the foundation for an honest and genuine life. For the first time in years, I formed bonds, opened my heart, practiced emotional honesty, and felt empowered by the overwhelming love, support, guidance, and knowledge I received in return from the staff and women in treatment. I came to understand that I was not alone, nor should I have to be and suffer in silence. For the first time, I practiced boundaries, was listened to and heard, protected, and believed. The treatment team spent endless hours as we all collectively wove through my past that was haunting me and causing me pain. The team opened my eyes to see that just because I was hurt in the past, it did not mean I had to continue hurting. I finally and full-heartedly believed that I deserved to be happy.” —A.A.

I have a life! I actually have a life. That’s what I found at Oliver Pyatt Centers. I came in desperate and lost. My eating disorder prevented me from managing and doing daily tasks. I did not know who I was upon arriving, but I found a group of people who believed in me and worked hard with me to fight my eating disorder. What truly impresses me is that at Oliver Pyatt Centers, they know eating disorders are a result of a greater trauma or life experience. Therefore, not only do they tackle the eating disorder with vengeance, they also focus the therapy on the issues that led to the eating disorder.

This program is truly life-changing. I came in suicidal and left planning my future. The intimate setting and the ratio of clients to therapists and recovery coaches allows for the client to always have an available person with whom to talk. I know that I took advantage of that.

My eating disorder had been my secret for 17 years. Now, it is no longer a secret that strangles me; it is an obstacle I continue to work through by applying all that I have learned.” —C.G.